Home for the Holidays with the Holland Symphony

The Holland Symphony Orchestra presented their "Home for the Holidays" program -- featuring guest vocalists Steve and Allison Martin, as well as the Deos Contemporary Ballet -- at the West Ottawa Performing Arts Center last night.

Fifteen Times with Over the Rhine

Last night, I experienced Over the Rhine in concert for the 15th time; this one for "An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine" at The Ark.

Celebrating the Season with Winter Jazz

The Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra brought holiday cheer to the Park Theatre last night as a part of the inaugural Dutch Winterfest seasonal celebration.

A Magical Time at Motown

Last weekend, I finally made it to the Motown Museum in Detroit. As a part of the tour, we got to sing and dance to "My Girl," one of the many hits recorded in the legendary Studio A, in the historic studio itself.

'Tis the Season to Swing

The Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center Orchestra masterfully presented their "'Tis the Season to Swing" program yesterday afternoon at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center.

Detriot Jazz at the Dirty Dog

I was pleased to experience the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation Presents DETROIT JAZZ MASTERS – Holiday Edition last night at the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, featuring Dwight Adams, Cliff Monear, David Taylor, Jeff Pedraz, and Chris Collins.

Swingin' with Stanco

Last night, I enjoyed a terrific set by the Anthony Stanco Quartet at Cliff Bell's jazz club.

Sold-out Solo Show at St. Cecilia

I witnessed singer/songwriter Joy Oladokun's sold-out solo show last night at St. Cecilia Music Center.  I also enjoyed opener Bartees Strange's solo set.

Sebastian stars with students

The Hope College jazz ensembles presented "An Evening of Jazz" tonight at the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, featuring guest artist Ricky Sebastian on drums.

Classically Beautiful

Last night, I enjoyed a beautiful chamber music performance by the two-time Grammy-nominated Neave Trio at Hope College's Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts.

Michigan rock royalty returns

The Verve Pipe returned to the Park Theatre last night.

From Japan With Love

Last night, I enjoyed beautiful compositions by Hiroya Tsukamoto, a two-time second-place winner of the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship, at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.

Stellar Sax Sounds

I experienced stellar jazz by the Miguel Zenon Quartet at Hope College's Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts last night.  The frontman – a Grammy winner, Doris Duke Artist and Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow – lended plenty of Puerto Rican flavor and flair to the set.

Zreik treats festival fans to kanun compositions

Grammy-Award-winning artist/composer/lyricist/educator Firas Zreik played his kanun -- a Middle Eastern zither-like string instrument -- beautifully at the International Festival of Holland last night.

LaFarge in Full Effect

Singer/songwriter Pokey LaFarge was in full effect last night at the Park Theatre, along with his myriad influences -- hot swing, early jazz, ragtime blues, Americana, country blues, Western swing, Vaudeville, and Appalachian folk -- and impressive band.

Rockin' to the Oldies

Last night, I saw one of my all-time favorite musical acts, Over the Rhine, at Calvin University. The show marked my 14th live experience with the band.  They focused on material from their earliest albums, with help from members of The Newbees, as a six-piece rock outfit.

MexiCuba moved concert goers to their feet

MexiCuba brought their Latin moves and grooves to the Tulip City Walls Mural Festival this evening.

The Crane Wives' indie rock soared at the Gardens

I experienced indie rock band The Crane Wives' sold-out show at Frederik Meijer Gardens last night.

An Evening of Ladies, Love, and Lady Love

Last night, I was treated to an evening of Americana, folk, pop, punk and rock at Frederik Meijer Gardens, courtesy of The Accidentals, as well as special guests Emma Zinck, Patty PerShayla, The Burney Sisters, and Roxi Jane.

Shredding in Saugatuck on a Saturday Night

Blues/funk/rock guitarist Pistol Pete shredded last night on the Capizzo Studio stage.

Midori and Moni manifest moving music

Last night, I witnessed acclaimed violinist Midori (above) at the West Ottawa Performing Arts Center, along with the Holland Symphony Orchestra and guest violinist Moni Simeonov.

Two for Two

I loved the music provided by skilled singer/songwriters/musicians Addison Agen (right) and Rachael Davis (left) last night at Fennville's City Music Hall concert.

Rain couldn't stop this ragtime revival

Last night, I was delighted to experience the vintage ragtime jazz provided by the Ragtime Banjo Revival Trio with King Sophia, the featured band at this week's Fennville City Music Hall concert.

Last Night at Lucy's

I enjoyed the smooth jazz stylings of Jazz 150 (formerly the Michael Drost trio) at Lucy's last night.

Four-piece featured in Fennville

Bluegrass quartet Wilson Thicket was the featured band at tonight's City Music Hall concert in Fennville.

Friendly, Frisky Folk

I was pleased to see folk singer/songwriter May Erlewine perform at the Park Theatre last night, with support from guitarist Packy Lundholm.

Summer Sounds by 6 Pak

The 6 Pak, an all-female rock 'n' roll cover band, kicked off Holland's summer concert series at Kollen Park last night.

Jazz for Justice

I enjoyed terrific tunes by the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra at All Saints' Episcopal's "Jazz for Justice" event last night.

The 'Everywoman'

This evening, I witnessed the "Queen of Funk," Chaka Khan, at Frederik Meijer Gardens.

Jazzin' Up a Wednesday Night

Tonight, I savored the smooth jazz stylings of the Michael Drost Trio at Lucy's.

Art in Motion

I was delighted to witness the jazz supergroup Artemis at Garcia's Chicago on Sunday night.

Full Circle Concert

Tonight, I experienced the music of folk/rock singer/songwriter Jennifer Knapp at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill.  It was likely the seventh time I have seen her live, having begun the circle in 1999 in the same city -- Grand Rapids, Mich. -- when she opened for dc Talk, and I reviewed the show for The Holland Sentinel.

Last Night at Lucy's

I enjoyed the smooth jazz stylings of the Michael Drost Quartet at Lucy's last night.